THE over 50s in Winsford are getting a new lease of life from a 90-year-old keep-fit teacher from Northwich.

Joy Swindells thought nothing of stepping into the breach when the teacher at the classes in the Dingle Centre in Winsford left suddenly.

'I joined the class several years ago and really enjoyed it,' said Joy, originally from Middlewich. 'When we found ourselves with no teacher I volunteered to take over with another member and we have been doing it ever since.

'I believe regular exercise is vital if you want to keep fit in old age. It keeps you supple and gets the circulation going. I exercise at least three times a week and also do ballroom and Latin American dancing.

'Although I am 90 I am quite fit and I believe this is due to exercise.'

In addition to her qualifications as a keep-fit teacher Joy, who lives in St John's Way, Sandiway, is also qualified to teach all forms of dance.

For more than 40 years she ran her own dancing school at venues around Mid Cheshire including Sandiway, Hartford and Winsford.

A widow with two children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, she only retired from teaching in her 80s to devote more time to her family. She said: 'I carried on keep fit and dancing because I enjoy it so much. I only stepped into the breach to keep the class going and I am delighted that I am still able to do it.

'The class is aimed at the over 50s and is based on the old Eileen Fowler keep-fit regime which itself is based on graceful movement to music.

'It is wonderful for pepping you up,' said Joy. 'Sometimes I feel a bit tired when I arrive but at the end of each session I feel absolutely great and ready for anything.'